Biking at the Beach

A Beach Cruiser

At the seashore, everything should be done by bike.

jennifer sherry

(Photo by Travis Lampe)

A vacation by the sea is no place for a car—once you're there, it's best to set it and forget it, then spend the week walking, swimming, lounging—and riding your bike. But coasting along the coast is more than just an escape to fantasyland, it's practical too.

BEFRIEND THE SAND You can rinse it, shake it and brush it, but you'll never walk off a beach sandfree. Better to let it fly from your body and beach blanket as you pedal toward that outside shower than to climb into a steaming Subaru to drive six blocks.

DON'T FEED THE METERS An idyllic evening out for soft serve with sprinkles melts away fast when the parking wars begin. And your miles-away-from-the-action spot will have you turning around to plug the meter again before you can say "Vanilla please." A bike gets you closer to the fun.

WAKE WITH THE GULLS Hit the boardwalk with the sunrise. The smell of the sea mixed with the scent of fresh pastries will rejuvenate you. Ride from one end to the other, while enjoying your me time. Then grab a baker's dozen before heading back to enjoy family time.